I don’t know if I would prefer that or not, but if that’s how it shook out, I’d be very happy. Honestly, at this point, we have enough names on the radar in both 2017 (Cain, Young, Jackson, Wilkes, Mathews, Davison, Livers, Tillman) and 2018 (Johns, Easley, Carmody, Ryan) that if we can fill 7 or so scholarships with any mix of those guys (with proper attention to positions, of course), I’ll be pretty happy. As always, the key is closing. But I’m hopeful that we’re back in our comfort zone (50-150 range, with the exception of Wilkes and Jackson), and hopefully that will yield some results.

LA Wolverine1 you are right the key is closing. In the last couple of years UM had offers out on great players and they showed interest right down to the end, then went elsewhere. UM needs to get an early decision on one of the elite 2017 recruits and this may get others motivated.

Brandon Johns 6-8 Jr Spiece Indy Heat (East Lansing): Some around the program think Johns has the most potential on the Indy Heat roster, even when 6-10 senior Jaren Jackson is in the mix. Rare mix of size, skill and feel. Has the potential to be one of the great modern forwards in Michigan history, like LaVell Blanchard or Winfred Walton. That said, didn’t dominate just did his job along the deep Spiece frontcourt.

Not necessarily a talent issue, because at a legit 6’8 he certainly has a decent handle and a decent shot. Although embracing physicality is certainly not a strength of Johns. He simply lacks any sort of motor or aggression. He was a very timid player in EYBL. Honestly, rankings aside, if you just assessed the productivity in EYBL, you would think Livers is the far superior prospect in relation to Johns.

Exactly. Things are going to go 1 of 2 ways in my opinion. Either Johns will step up and be the man with the departure of Jackson, Tillman, and Roberts OR he will cease to get open looks because of that and struggle. Only time will tell